MICHASPARROW Tell me, what is the appeal of “Little Shop of Horrors” – why are people going to want to come and see this show? HAMISHCAMPBELL It’s one of the best shows on Broadway and in the West End, in my opinion. It’s a comedy, a love story, horror. It’s suitable for any age. BRIANGREYTAK Plants eating people. Blood. (Shrugs) What more is there? MICHASPARROW Which character do you play in the show? BRIANGREYTAK I’m “Audrey Two”, a fun-loving plant, bent on creating a society where all plants can live in harmony. HAMISHCAMPBELL I play Benjamin Johnson the 24th, a massively rich and proud man. His family owns the majority of New York in the fifties, and he’s on Skid Row to mock the poor. MICHASPARROW Why does he do that? HAMISHCAMPBELL The zoo is boring? MICHASPARROW What’s your favourite song from the show? HAMISHCAMPBELL “Skid Row”, because I’ve watched it since I was a kid. It’s lively, emotional, powerful, and it’s one of those songs that gets you right here. (Points to his heart.) BRIANGREYTAK “Feed Me”, of course. It’s twisted, funky, and a real foot stomper. MICHASPARROW Describe the rehearsal process so far. HAMISHCAMPBELL We are all working really hard, on both sides of the production. Our director, Arvin Robles, really puts us to the grindstone, but it’s a pleasure to work so hard. I think he’s very capable, as he thinks outside the box and is prepared for any eventuality. He’s an actor’s director, but he can see things choreographically as well. BRIANGREYTAK Fun, challenging, necessary. MICHASPARROW How do you find your character? HAMISHCAMPBELL I don’t have any lines as this character, I do for another character I play, Patrick Martin, but for this guy I just simply imagine I own the place. (Laughs.) BRIANGREYTAK I’m the voice of the plant, so I just reach down deep into my soul and pull out Barry White.

MRSLUCE Now tell me, uh, Mr. Johnson, what first brought you here to Skid Row? BENJAMINJOHNSON The first day I tried the subway, I saw these absolutely revolting people in this slum of a neighbourhood. You know when you can’t look away from a car crash? That’s how I felt. I saw a society I’d never imagined – down-trodden and pathetic. I found an alternative to using my servants for hours of entertainment. These people will do just about anything for a buck. MRSLUCE I see. And, uh, you ? “Audrey Two”, is it? AUDREYII An old Chinaman I know brought me to that chump Seymour. MRSLUCE Why are you staying here? BENJAMINJOHNSON I don’t stay here! I wouldn’t be caught dead sleeping in the gutter. AUDREYII I’m staying to rule the world from here. MRSLUCE What a charming and unusual answer. Now Mr. Johnson, can you describe to our readers what a typical day is for you on Skid Row? BENJAMINJOHNSON I come down on the subway with my own chair, carried by my servant of course, armed with enough dimes for the day for the riff raff to fight over. I peek into people’s houses, there’s nothing to take so people don’t bother locking their doors. Then, prior to my return to the comforts of home, I watch the winos get drunk on what I use for toilet water. AUDREYII Grow and wilt. Spurt and flop. Drink fresh blood. It’s not my favourite, but that cheapskate Krelborn won’t give me much meat. MRSLUCE How interesting. Now, can you tell me your thoughts on these people, using only one word? Seymour? BENJAMINJOHNSON Foolish. AUDREYII Wussy. MRSLUCE Audrey? BENJAMINJOHNSON Seductive AUDREYII Breakfast. MRSLUCE Mr. Mushnik? BENJAMINJOHNSON Pitiful. AUDREYII Lunch. MRSLUCE Dr. Orin Scrivello? BENJAMINJOHNSON Crazy. AUDREYII Dinner. MRSLUCE One final question – what is one thing people don’t know about you? BENJAMINJOHNSON That my family is actually broke. AUDREYII That I have feelings. I too cry.